and the obama administration, almost a 50% increase in our national debt. and let me just say that we have had many short-term increases in the debt limit over time. what was business as usual when the democrats were in the majority, we had nine short-term debt increases. three of them in 1987. six of them in 1990. before longer, more permanent debt limit increases were made. so what is business as usual for the democrats, they now call flirting dangerously for the republicans. i think it is very important we move forward on increasing the debt limit for this limited period of time. while we can then address the issues that will help affect our long-term debt and deficits. including the sequester and the continuing resolution. when the long-term debt of the united states was lowered to a double-a plus rating in 2011, on august 5, they said that the downgrade, which was after the budget control act was passed, they said the downgrade reflected their opinion that the fiscal consolidation plan that congress and the administration recently agreed, meaning the b